Oyeka Amara Kate, an author, public finance expert, and business strategist, has urged Nigerians to embrace patience, consistency, and personal growth while navigating life’s uncertainties.
The author, who spoke at the launch of her book, The Wait Work, in Lagos on Saturday, explained that the publication was inspired largely by her personal experiences and her desire to serve as a guide to people facing challenges and delays in achieving their goals.
A seasoned expert in tax administration and finance, Kate who previously served as executive director, Direct Taxes and senior special assistant to Chukwuma Charles Soludo, governor of Anambra State, respectively at the Anambra Internal Revenue Service (AIRS), now an Author, encouraged attendees to take up the challenges of life more seriously.
A fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), United Kingdom, she has over 17 years of experience in taxation, finance, accounting, tax technology and strategic business manangement.
According to her, many of the situations people worry about eventually become part of the process that prepares them for greater opportunities.
“What inspired the publication, for the most part, is my life, journeying through life and just realizing that some of the things that we make so much fuss about, in the end, turn out to be part of what takes us to our next level,” she said.
She described life as a process that should not be rushed, likening it to preparing a meal.
“You know the difference between meat that is properly marinated and one that is cooked immediately. One has deeper and sweeter flavours. That’s how life is. If you don’t rush it, just follow the process and make sure you’re consistent, hardworking, with the right people and the right mindset. Things will unfold in a way that you will love even more than you expected,” she said.
Asked to identify the most important lesson readers should take from the book, Kate emphasised the need for a consistent character.
She noted that integrity and a predictable reputation can create opportunities and earn trust even in one’s absence.
“When people are very confident of your character, they can speak about you even when you’re not there. They can open doors that you never knew could open on your behalf. So maintain a consistent character,” she added.
The author said the book was written for adults seeking direction and encouragement in an increasingly challenging world.
She described The Wait Work as a practical guide designed to help readers navigate difficult periods without becoming overwhelmed by stress or anxiety.
“I wrote it for every single adult who needs a guide,” she said. “Every single insight or guide that comes from that book is purely from a place of ensuring that people are not lost. We’re already in a difficult world.”
Using the example of flight delays, she advised people to focus on what they can control rather than becoming frustrated by circumstances beyond their influence.
The author is also the founder of the Obele Women Empowerment Foundation and holds leadership positions in several business and professional organisations.
Speakers at the launch described Kate as an accomplished professional whose career trajectory reflects many of the principles of patience, resilience and personal development highlighted in The Wait Work.
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